The horrific truth is that there appears to be a long history of clergy abuse against congregants (adults and children). Survivors of clergy abuse in New York previously could not go back and file claims for abuse that occurred in past decades.
However, new laws now allow New Yorkers to finally seek justice. While victims of clergy abuse may have to relive certain parts of their abuse, they now have the legal right to pursue financial recovery and justice and change the future. Holding those abusers responsible and legally accountable for their actions can help prevent the ongoing cycle of abuse.
If you suffered abuse from a clergy member, consider speaking with our legal team for a confidential conversation. Learn how a Brooklyn clergy abuse lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you follow the path to receive the justice you deserve. Call (800) 219-9622 today for a free case evaluation.
Understanding What Constitutes Clergy Abuse
Clergy abuse can involve minors and adults and occurs when a clergy member of any faith-based organization uses their trusted position to commit the abuse. Unfortunately, in some instances, the clergy abuse remains systemic, and the abusers do not receive the punishment they deserve under the law. Many victims feel shame or guilt, especially children, and do not move forward to bring the abuser to justice.
As a result, the religious organization or institution will simply sweep the abuse under the proverbial rug by moving the clergy member to another location. With little consequences for their actions, clergy members became free to abuse others in their congregations again. This cyclical repetition of abuse becomes commonplace in many religious institutions to the detriment of children and adults who often place implicit trust in their religious leaders.
Examples of Religious Institutions and Organizations Experiencing Clergy Abuse
While the Catholic Church appears to have dominated news stories over the past few decades regarding clergy abuse, other religious organizations and institutions are also to blame for horrific acts of this kind. Some of the religious institutions that have shown to harbor clergy abusers include:
- Other Christian churches in many different denominations
- Mormon churches
- Islamic mosques and centers
- Jewish synagogues
- Greek Orthodox churches
Additionally, it is not just the clergy at the top of the religious institution that can abuse congregants. It can be staff members, deacons, bishops, nuns, church volunteers, administrators of the religious organization, Sunday school teachers, field trip supervisors, and others in charge of congregants or children.
For a free legal consultation with a Clergy Abuse Lawyer serving Brooklyn, call (800) 794-0444
The State of New York and the Child Victims Act
The Child Victims Act, passed unanimously in 2019, allows victims of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy to file a claim against their abuser up through the age of 55. Realizing that many victims of sexual abuse fail to bring a claim regarding their abuse, or even suppress their abuse only to discover it at a later age, the state of New York now allows survivors of clergy abuse to have even more time to file a claim to receive justice as well as compensation for their suffering.
If a clergy member has abused you, and you are interested in taking legal action to seek compensation and hold them accountable, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. We want to hear your story and review legal options you may have. We can answer your questions as you decide if this next step is for you.
Brooklyn Clergy Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Options Available for Victims of Clergy Abuse
As a survivor of clergy abuse, you have many options to receive justice. Some of the examples of ways you may have the ability to receive financial recovery for your pain and suffering, physical harm, or emotional trauma may include the following:
- Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program the Archdiocese of New York has established
- The New York Attorney General’s clergy abuse hotline allows victims to speak with an investigator about clergy abuse allegations. However, victims must provide their real names and contact information.
- A Brooklyn clergy abuse lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can provide a confidential and free consultation regarding all legal rights and options available to a victim of clergy abuse.
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Types of Compensation Available in Clergy Abuse Cases
No amount of money or compensation will ever repair or undo the abuse a survivor experienced at the hands of a trusted clergy member. However, financial awards can help a victim of clergy abuse move forward with their lives in several ways:
- Payment for past, present, and future medical bills, including any psychological counseling necessary
- Prescription medications needed for either physical or psychological challenges endured by individual abused
- Pain and suffering (both physical pain and mental anguish suffered for years or decades by the victim)
- Reduced overall quality and enjoyment of life due to the abuse, including the inability to sustain gainful employment or have substantial or intimate relationships
- Loss of wages or loss of the ability to remain employed because of clergy abuse
Every case will have different facts and circumstances. While no amount of money will take away the memories or the pain, victims have a right to seek justice and compensation for their injuries and losses endured due to their abuse.
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Learn How a Brooklyn Clergy Abuse Lawyer Can Help You as a Survivor of Clergy Abuse
Coming forward years after abuse can prove emotionally traumatizing and challenging. We understand the difficult decision you face. However, pursuing compensation for your abuse is not just about receiving financial restitution. It is also about helping others avoid the same type of abuse by holding your abusers responsible for their actions and behavior.
If you are considering pursuing justice against your abusers, we understand that it takes courage to come forward. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss your legal rights with you. Consider visiting with our legal team to learn how a Brooklyn clergy abuse lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 219-9622 can help you understand your legal options.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
